The biggest names in pop culture attended the event to perform, and raise awareness of the hardships victims of the storms are now enduring. It barreled into the Florida Keys on Sunday, where 90 percent of homes are believed to be destroyed or heavily damaged.

One big donor was Apple, which donated $5 million, announcedStephen Colbert. It aired from Nashville, Los Angeles and New York City, where celebrities came out by the dozens to take calls and urge support. Computer maker Michael Dell and his wife Susan pledged to match the first $10 million in donations Tuesday.

"This is in recognition of the way that people have worked hand in hand to help people overcome the challenges that Texans have faced", Gov. Abbot said at the press conference. ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, HBO, MTV, BET and Univision were among the networks carrying the program, which was also streamed online. Over 2,100 people have donated more than $76,000 via donations through Facebook Live.

According to Variety, $14 million was raised during the telethon itself, and an additional $30 million was donated later in the night.

One hundred percent of the proceeds will go to participating charities assisting in relief efforts.

"During the time where it's impossible to watch the news without seeing violence or racism in this country, just when you think it couldn't possibly get worse, natural disasters take precious life", she said in a taped video message.